Transit workers ratify contract that ended SEPTA strike

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A union representing transit workers in Philadelphia says it members overwhelmingly approved a five-year labor contract — the same one that ended a weeklong strike when proposed earlier this month.

Transport Workers Union Local 234 says the contract was members ratified the contract Friday in voting that took place throughout the day at 30 polling places around the city.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority's board of directors on Thursday authorized its chairman to sign off on the contract pending union ratification.

Union President Willie Brown had predicted the vote would be close, but he now says voting results show that wasn't the case. He says the ratification "is a big win for our members and for SEPTA passengers."